Steve Smith blasts masterful Big Bash century upon return to Sydney Sixers against Perth Scorchers

Steve Smith's masterful 121 not out propelled the Sydney Sixers to a 3-220 victory over the Perth Scorchers, equalling his record for the third century in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL). Hailed as one of the best individual performances in BBL history, Smith struck an astonishing seven sixes in his 64-ball innings, prompting a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.

The 35-year-old's unbeaten display comes as he was confirmed to captain Australia's upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, replacing Pat Cummins. Long considered Australia's finest Test batsman since Sir Donald Bradman, Smith is also a master of the 50-over format, adept at controlling the tempo of a match, and now his record in the domestic Twenty20 competition is also top-tier.

Smith’s century at the SCG was his third in 32 BBL matches, matching Ben McDermott’s league record from 100 games. Smith had scored two centuries for the Sixers two seasons ago, but only played two games last summer. This innings was undoubtedly his finest of them all.

After a relatively cautious start for the Sixers, reaching 1-24 after five overs, Smith plundered 95 runs off his next 40 balls. He frequently targeted the shorter boundaries at the SCG, and when the Scorchers attempted to contain him with wide deliveries outside off stump, he happily cut behind point. Two of his sixes came from switch-hits, while another saw him gently flick a Jhye Richardson delivery off his pads, sending the ball soaring into the Bill O'Reilly Stand.

The Scorchers' Tye suffered the most, conceding 0-62 from his four overs, while Ben Dwarshuis also contributed 23 not out from seven balls. Richardson’s four overs also went for 0-51, with 24 coming in the power surge as Smith and Moises Henriques (46 off 28 balls) completely changed the game's momentum. To make matters worse, Cooper Connolly dropped a catch when Smith was on 31, just as he was starting to fire.

But on this day, everything Smith touched seemed to turn to gold, including a catch at deep by Nick Hobson in the final over, which replays showed Hobson’s foot had touched the rope. Ultimately, the Scorchers could only muster 7-206 in reply, giving the Sixers a 14-run victory.